Hopeless optimism

The socio-economic theme today is the most vital topic of the Azerbaijani family, which for the most part is dissatisfied with the protracted economic crisis, and is increasingly reminding the government of the need for change.

At the part of the meeting that was presented to the public, the president focused on the steps being taken to reduce social tensions and address the pressing issues of citizens. He mentioned the most vulnerable groups of the population with whom the state extends a hand: martyrs' families, retirees, the unemployed, students, problem loans borrowers and others.

At the same time, Aliyev in a traditional manner did not demonstrate external concern with the social tensions of the population, focusing on the figures for GDP growth, structural and other reforms, which make it possible to predict the progressive growth of the economy in 2019.

In January 2019, the BBP of Azerbaijan increased by 3% and this is the highest figure in the last 2-3 years. Economic growth will continue at a high pace. The macroeconomic situation is stable, the rate of manat is also stable for more than a year, he said at the meeting.

In general, Aliyev"s statement on economic growth is founded. According to the International Monetary Fund, an increase in gas production in Azerbaijan may lead to an increase in oil BBP in 2019 by 5%. "Daily gas production in Azerbaijan in 2018 will be 0.41 million barrels of oil equivalent versus 0.31 million barrels in 2017 and in 2019 it will increase to 0.54 million barrels of oil equivalent ", - the experts of MBF believe.

However, Fitch Ratings, an international rating agency, expects an acceleration in the growth rate of the Azerbaijani economy in 2019 "amid a restoration of public confidence and an increase in budget spending."

Public confidence in the government is indeed an important factor in giving a blank check on government actions. However, with an economic growth of 3 percent in January, confidence was at the lowest level, which manifested itself in social networks and at an opposition rally on January 19.

Even after this presidential meeting in a narrow circle, the scale of confidence is unlikely to go up, although society has developed some optimism. However, he is not connected with the latest popular decisions of the president regarding the socio-economic bloc, but the growing public confidence in his strength and ability to influence the situation.

The president is trying to take into account the public mood, and is demonstrating openness in communicating with ordinary citizens. However, such a presentation cannot bring success without an open dialogue with civil society and its involvement in reform processes. In 2016, after two unpopular devaluations of the manat, he defined the main tasks of overcoming the crisis, where he indicated the involvement of a society with a controlling function in the process of control over the government. However, this parameter was not involved, which could not but affect the socio-economic regress with relative figures of economic growth.

It is noteworthy that, as at all previous meetings of the economic bloc, society cannot receive a holistic awareness of the plans of the government. The society sees separate announcements and promises on some aspects, but does not observe a holistic picture of overcoming problems in the form of a certain program or roadmap. In this aspect, the micro meeting on February 25, although radiating some optimism, does not inspire hope for the changes that society thirsts for.